Robert J. Bernhardt Jr.
Philadelphia, PA
Born September 30, 1957
Died January 31, 2026
Robert is survived by his wife, Loretta; his children, Ean Smith and his wife Melissa, Gary Smith and his wife Connie, and Sarah Streby and her husband Brian. He is also survived by his grandchildren — in the order they came into his life and filled it with pride — Mark Smith, Matthew Smith, Cassidy Smith, Andrew Dieffenbach, Krista Dieffenbach, Levin Streby, Madeline Smith, and Grayson Smith; and by his great‑grandson, Bennett Dieffenbach.
Robert is further survived by his siblings and their spouses: Catherine Matthews and her husband Ed, Christine Mellon and her husband Pat, and Paul Bernhardt and his wife Amy. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Bernhardt Sr. and Catherine Bernhardt (née Bowman).
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Robert graduated from Northeast Catholic High School before serving proudly in the United States Navy as an Aviation Ordnanceman aboard the USS Nimitz. He carried those years with him always — the camaraderie, the stories, and the kind of humor that only comes from service at sea. He remained close with his fellow servicemen throughout his life and was an active member of the Veterans of Andalusia club, where he was known for his loyalty, quick wit, and his ability to make anyone feel welcome.
Robert will be remembered as a loving husband, a proud father, a devoted grandfather and great‑grandfather, a steady and generous brother, and a friend who never hesitated to lend a hand. He leaves behind a family who adored him, friends who will miss his laugh, and a legacy of kindness, stubbornness, and heart — all the things that made him an unmistakable presence.
Memorial services will be private at this time, with a Celebration of Life planned at a later date.
Philadelphia, PA
Born September 30, 1957
Died January 31, 2026
Robert is survived by his wife, Loretta; his children, Ean Smith and his wife Melissa, Gary Smith and his wife Connie, and Sarah Streby and her husband Brian. He is also survived by his grandchildren — in the order they came into his life and filled it with pride — Mark Smith, Matthew Smith, Cassidy Smith, Andrew Dieffenbach, Krista Dieffenbach, Levin Streby, Madeline Smith, and Grayson Smith; and by his great‑grandson, Bennett Dieffenbach.
Robert is further survived by his siblings and their spouses: Catherine Matthews and her husband Ed, Christine Mellon and her husband Pat, and Paul Bernhardt and his wife Amy. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Bernhardt Sr. and Catherine Bernhardt (née Bowman).
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Robert graduated from Northeast Catholic High School before serving proudly in the United States Navy as an Aviation Ordnanceman aboard the USS Nimitz. He carried those years with him always — the camaraderie, the stories, and the kind of humor that only comes from service at sea. He remained close with his fellow servicemen throughout his life and was an active member of the Veterans of Andalusia club, where he was known for his loyalty, quick wit, and his ability to make anyone feel welcome.
Robert will be remembered as a loving husband, a proud father, a devoted grandfather and great‑grandfather, a steady and generous brother, and a friend who never hesitated to lend a hand. He leaves behind a family who adored him, friends who will miss his laugh, and a legacy of kindness, stubbornness, and heart — all the things that made him an unmistakable presence.
Memorial services will be private at this time, with a Celebration of Life planned at a later date.
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